Monday, July 26, 2010

Simplicity's Godet Summer Dress

I wore this to church on Sunday (7-25-10). It was a hot and sunny day. Perfect dress for this type of weather.

For years I shied away from all garments that included a godet. Recently, I conquered the fear of the imperfect godet and I'm enjoying the victory of mastering another design technique. To build up my courage, I tried sewing one or two godets in a skirt or dress. Last week I sewed eight in Simplicity 3877. All turned out perfect.

Here's my review of S3877.

Pattern Description: Misses'dress in two lengths with bodice variations. Separate patterns included for B, C, D cup sizes. I love those patterns that include separate patterns for the cup size. It makes it a little easier. In most cases a only have to increase the seam allowance from under the bust to the waistline.

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 22; I used size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much. I barely had enough fabric for the main pieces of the dress. The belt is about 4 inches shorter than the pattern.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I only glanced at them; but I didn't see anything that was confusing. Make sure you press as you go.

Initially I thought I'd add cap sleeves to view A, but when it came time to insert them, I decided to go with no sleeves. I used bias tape for the armhole facing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

-I love the full skirt. My DD calls this type of dress "June Cleaver-ish".-The wrapped bodice is a favorite design element of mine as well.-This pattern included separate patterns for cup sizes. This is always a plus for me.

No dislikes.

Fabric Used: Linen blend from Vogue. I bought about four yards, barely having enough to fit all the pattern pieces.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: A few minor changes were made:

- shorten the tie about 4 inches due to not enough fabric- small board shoulder adjustment- used voile for the neck facing and used bias tape for the armholes- at center back of the skirt, I added a little soft pleat as the skirt was biggerat the (back) waist. Everything else lined up perfectly. (I don't know what happened in my measurements.)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Maybe, it's a good pattern to sew from. I may mix and match with another pattern. Maybe..., Yes, I do recommend it. I love this summery dress.

Conclusion: This is a good pattern to try. It offers bodice and sleeve variations. The instructions are typical at glance. It took me about seven hours to make this dress.

Very nice dresses Cennetta! What is your trick with godets? I've never really tried them on a skirt or dress so I have no clue, but I don't fear them like a front fly trouser! Was there a special technique or step process that you used to get them so perfect? Thanks!

Those dresses are so pretty. By the way, I like June Cleaver fashion style. People dressed civilized in those days, I mean pearls on in time for breakfast! Now we have students showing up for college classes in sloppy pj's. I find that a lack of respect for themselves and the institution. Back to the dresses, I want one just like the one you wore to church--with pearls :)

Both are great dresses; they look so comfortable.I agree with Toocutedobs, I love the feminine, classy look. It seems with this overwhelming love for vintage, the feeling is mutual by a large majority.

It's funny, immediately when I saw the first picture I thought "Well, if that isn't the perfect summer church dress, I don't know what is." Then I read your commentary. Great minds and all that. ;) Lovely dress!

How did I miss these dresses?! I love the first one...you chose an amazing piece of fabric to make this in. The fabric just sings summer and the dress is perfect for those hot, hazy summer days! Lovely!

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I earn my living in MIS/IT in research administration at a major university. My passion is sewing. Here are a few adjectives that describe me: friendly, funny, inquisitive, creative, social, ambitious, optimistic, driven, generous, kind, helpful, and spiritual.My family and friends are very important to me. They make my life worth living.